4. Harry Thacker (Bristol Bears)
A skilful dynamo of a hooker, Thacker would have brought something different to the party. He would be in contention for All Blacks selection if he were a New Zealander, according to his boss Pat Lam.
5. Jono Ross (Sale Sharks)
He is a sensationally-tough ball carrier with real variety, he can win you an inch in the dogfight or play out wide in the 15-metre channels. The South Africa-born back-rower has great hands, is a top line-out athlete and tackles anything, sitting second in the Premiership’s tackle count with 148.
6. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
The 20-year-old, Jones’ original apprentice, was overlooked as a third fly-half at the expense of 21-year-old Wasp Jacob Umaga. However, his creative kicking tormented Saracens two weeks ago and he currently sits top of the pile as the Gallagher Premiership’s top-scorer with 95 points.